Uptick in stomach virus in Ottawa County

Saturday

Mar 16, 2019 at 8:00 AM

OTTAWA COUNTY — There is an increase in highly contagious norovirus-like illness, also referred to as “stomach bug,” that is circulating in the community.

There tends to be an uptick at this time of the year, said Marcia Mansaray, senior epidemiologist at Ottawa County Department of Public Health, but it could be a little worse right now. There was also a peak in the illness in December and January. There were four outbreaks in the last month, and a couple in the last week or so at long-term care facilities, Mansaray said.

Illnesses in long-term care facilities are easier to track, because they are required to report the info to the health department, Mansaray said. She also tracks data of illnesses at emergency rooms based on symptoms people report, schools and childcare facilities. It is hard to chart overall, Mansaray explained, but norovirus-like illnesses are currently on the rise, with confirmed norovirus at long-term care facilities.

The illness spreads very easily and quickly from person to person and by touching surfaces contaminated with vomit or stool. Common norovirus outbreak settings are in enclosed places like nursing homes, daycare centers, schools and cruise ships. It is also a major cause of outbreaks in restaurants and catered-meal settings if contaminated food is served or people handling food are ill. Anyone can get norovirus and can have it more than once.

“Those (restaurant) complaints, we’ve getting more of them in the last two weeks, but there is no evidence it’s related to the actual food,” Mansaray said.

What they think is happening is people pick up the illness in the community around the time they go out somewhere to eat, Mansaray said.

What people are reporting is an intense but short bout of symptoms from contracting the illness, including vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. People should stay home 24 hours after they stop experiencing symptoms, Mansaray said, to decrease the possibility of it being spread. This important for everyone, but especially people who work in the food service industry, she said.

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that a person will get norovirus about five times during their lifetime. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year, but more than eighty percent of reported outbreaks occur from November to April.

How you get norovirus

Having direct physical contact with a person who is infected, such as caring for or shaking hands with a sick person and then touching your hands to your mouth.Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.Touching surfaces or objects with norovirus on them and then putting your hands in your mouth.People with norovirus illness are most contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill and for the first few days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer.

"To reduce the risk of illness in our community, people should take preventive measures to stay healthy," Mansaray said.

She suggested a weak bleach solution for cleaning homes to kill the norovirus as well as hand washing with soap and water.

Protect yourself and others from norovirus

Wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers - and always before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizers are generally not effective for norovirus.Handle and prepare food safely. People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for at least two days after they recover from their illness.Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces (such as toilets, counters and doorknobs). Always clean up the entire area immediately after someone with norovirus vomits or has diarrhea. Put on disposable gloves and disinfect contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label or with a solution of five tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water.Wash laundry thoroughly. Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool. Handle soiled items carefully - try not to shake them - to avoid spreading the virus. If available, wear disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling.Stay home if sick for at least 24 hours after symptoms end to avoid spreading the illness to others.

— Contact reporter Kate Carlson at kcarlson@hollandsentinel.com and follow her on Twitter @SentinelKate.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.